Health Department Rolls Out New HIV Prevention Ads

NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – A new health campaign on HIV prevention hits the subways.

The New York City Department of Health and Mental Services new subway posters show how HIV can lead to other serious diseases.

The “It’s Never Just HIV” campaign is focusing on those currently at greatest risk to become infected, men who have sex with men, said the Health Department.

“We are very concerned with rising rates of new HIV infections in young men who have sex with men, particularly those who are African-American and Hispanic,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner. “More than half, 57%, of all new HIV diagnoses in New York City were among black and Hispanic men in 2009. These messages are designed to remind young men that, even with the tremendous progress that has been made in treatment for this disease, it is still dangerous and the best way to stay HIV-free is to use condoms consistently.”

The Health Department is no stranger to controversial awareness campaigns. Previously, the department has taken on the fight against sugary drinks by showing a man drinking a glass of fat and an anti-smoking campaign that was pulled from some places because it was too disturbing.

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